Central and South American Religion (Latin America)
Christianity is the most dominate religion in both Central and South America by roughly ninety percent. Most citizens are commonly Roman Catholic, though the Protestant religion is now increasing in Central and South America. The Spanish and Northern Americans spread Catholicism though Latin America and slowly replaced all indigenous religions. Prior to the spread of Christianity from the Spanish many indigenous religions focused on spiritual beliefs and practices. They focused on hunting/gathering as well as paid their respects to the rain Gods. Spanish and Incas migrated to Latin America they began to conquer the Natives to spread Christianity. This change in religion brought on many changes within the native Latin American people- such as learning a new language, folkways, and ethics. Since the government was weak, the church was on of the main heads of power in Latin America (roles included education, building of hospitals, keeping records of religious affairs, and banking). Later, in the twentieth century, the Catholic Church was challenged due to its beliefs, Protestant was said to become the new outlet for religion in Latin America, which is ironic, given that protestantism mainly rejects many of the ideas of catholicism.
Aside from Christianity, many other religions developed across Central America. Slaves from Africa and other fleeting people took shelter in the islands of the Caribbean and brought with them their culture. This old culture clashed with Christianity as it slowly spread and took over.
Voodoo
Although Roman Catholicism is the “official” religion of Haiti, most Haitian’s practice some form of voodoo. Voodoo is the practice of worshiping an untouchable God and his spirits. Their God, called Bondyè, is the creator and master of all things, but cannot interfere with human life. His spirit servants, however, can. Voodooists practice worshiping Bondye and lwa though dance, song, and even sacrifices.
It first originated in French slave colony of Saint-Domingue. When the French were in control of this colony, they suppressed this religion and made them convert to Christianity. When they migrated to Haiti, they brought their new hybrid religion with them.
South America (Erik, Matt)
The Roman Catholic religion was brought over to South America by the Spanish and Portuguese and remains the primary religion in South America. In some areas of Peru the natives combined Roman Catholicism with their original beliefs and traditions. Protestantism was bought over from Europe and missionaries from the US. Argentina is home to the largest Jewish Community. Also, Most Southern Americans with a Chinese ancestry are Buddhist, while those of Indian descent are Hindu or Muslim.
Some traditional African practices and beliefs are followed in parts of Brazil. The Macumba Ceremony is a popular practice brought over from the slaves. The slaves were forced to convert to Catholicism, so in secret they would worship African Gods, with the faces of Catholic Gods. In Macumba, followers contact spirits to heal physical and spiritual wounds. Macumba Video
Central and South American Religion (Latin America)
Christianity is the most dominate religion in both Central and South America by roughly ninety percent. Most citizens are commonly Roman Catholic, though the Protestant religion is now increasing in Central and South America. The Spanish and Northern Americans spread Catholicism though Latin America and slowly replaced all indigenous religions. Prior to the spread of Christianity from the Spanish many indigenous religions focused on spiritual beliefs and practices. They focused on hunting/gathering as well as paid their respects to the rain Gods. Spanish and Incas migrated to Latin America they began to conquer the Natives to spread Christianity. This change in religion brought on many changes within the native Latin American people- such as learning a new language, folkways, and ethics. Since the government was weak, the church was on of the main heads of power in Latin America (roles included education, building of hospitals, keeping records of religious affairs, and banking). Later, in the twentieth century, the Catholic Church was challenged due to its beliefs, Protestant was said to become the new outlet for religion in Latin America, which is ironic, given that protestantism mainly rejects many of the ideas of catholicism.
Catholicism VS Protestantism
History of Latin American Religion
Christianity
Aside from Christianity, many other religions developed across Central America. Slaves from Africa and other fleeting people took shelter in the islands of the Caribbean and brought with them their culture. This old culture clashed with Christianity as it slowly spread and took over.
Voodoo
Although Roman Catholicism is the “official” religion of Haiti, most Haitian’s practice some form of voodoo. Voodoo is the practice of worshiping an untouchable God and his spirits. Their God, called Bondyè, is the creator and master of all things, but cannot interfere with human life. His spirit servants, however, can. Voodooists practice worshiping Bondye and lwa though dance, song, and even sacrifices.
It first originated in French slave colony of Saint-Domingue. When the French were in control of this colony, they suppressed this religion and made them convert to Christianity. When they migrated to Haiti, they brought their new hybrid religion with them.
South America (Erik, Matt)
The Roman Catholic religion was brought over to South America by the Spanish and Portuguese and remains the primary religion in South America. In some areas of Peru the natives combined Roman Catholicism with their original beliefs and traditions. Protestantism was bought over from Europe and missionaries from the US. Argentina is home to the largest Jewish Community. Also, Most Southern Americans with a Chinese ancestry are Buddhist, while those of Indian descent are Hindu or Muslim.
Some traditional African practices and beliefs are followed in parts of Brazil. The Macumba Ceremony is a popular practice brought over from the slaves. The slaves were forced to convert to Catholicism, so in secret they would worship African Gods, with the faces of Catholic Gods. In Macumba, followers contact spirits to heal physical and spiritual wounds. Macumba Video